Jan Pullinger was first appointed to Cabinet in 1996 and has held several portfolios in government. As Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, Jan introduced legislation creating BC's tourism marketing agency Tourism BC, as well as Sports BC, an anti-violence program. Jan later served as the Minister of Human Resources and was BC's first Minister of Community Development, Co-Operatives and Volunteers, where her work with the cooperative sector led to modernizing the Cooperatives Association Act. As Minister of Social Development and Economic Security, Jan laid the groundwork for North America's second publicly-funded, comprehensive childcare plan.

During her years in office, Jan also served as Parliamentary Secretary for the ministries of Finance and Corporate Relations; Health; and Education, Skills and Training. Jan was recently appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.

Jan was first elected to the BC Legislature in 1989 in the riding of Nanaimo-Ladysmith. She was re-elected in 1991 and 1996 in the riding of Cowichan-Ladysmith. Jan recently announced her retirement from politics.

Before being elected to the Legislature, Jan worked as a researcher, business woman, social activist and community organizer.

Born and educated in Vancouver, Jan received her diploma in Canadian studies at Malaspina College in Nanaimo before completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in the same field at Carleton University in Ottawa. She also pursued studies in BC and Canadian history at the University of Victoria.

Jan is married and has one adult son, Brett. She has been a parent to several foster children.